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Peppermill Questions

Johnturner

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I have never done a peppermill - I think it's about time I did one. Who has the best kits? I know they can be different sizes but what is the "normal" size blank.
John
 

trc65

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I don't know if they are the best or not, but the ones I've made were from Craft Supplies. https://www.woodturnerscatalog.com/p/53/5244/turners-select-Deluxe-Pepper-Mill-Kit

I usually start with a blank about 3" square around a inch longer than the kit you want to make. You can start with a slightly smaller diameter blank, but I think most kits suggest 2.75" diameter as a minimum. Most of what I've made are the 8" kit. For me, they hold a good amount of peppercorns without being too tall and looking out of place on a table.

Others use the Crush grind ceramic mechanism, but I've not made any of those.

Whichever kit you choose, check to see which drill bits are required so you can order what you need at the same time. Nothing sucks more than receiving your kit(s) and then realizing you don't have the correct bits to make them.
 

sprucegum

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I'm in the crushgrind camp. They work very well and the stem is easy to trim to fit your blank. Often I find the 13" on sale for the same price or less than the 5". I have made a couple of the stemless version but don't like them as well as the stem version.
 

TimR

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I like the quality of the Crushgrind mechanisms and the ease of trimming the shaft to length. Amazon Prime carries them for 14 bucks.
There’s a sticky I did on my approach to making one.
 

DKMD

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I’ve done all of the above, and they all work. I think the kits with shafts are easier to make.

8-10 inches is the ‘standard’ range I suppose, but you can go bigger or smaller if the mood strikes.
 

trc65

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I should mention that I oftentimes will shorten the steel shaft kits and just cut new threads. That way I don't have to be so careful on exact height.

BTW, don't ask me what thread size, I don't remember. :wink:
 

sprucegum

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Just got a email from chef ware kits, they have had this or similar deals before and I know some of you were unhappy with the company. I have not ordered from them for a while but have always been happy.
 
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